U.S. E-Waste “Invisible Tsunami” Hits Southeast Asia

The environmental watchdog Basel Action Network (BAN) has released a report exposing that the United States illegally exports millions of tons of electronic waste to Southeast Asia annually, with most shipments destined for countries like Indonesia and Vietnam that lack safe disposal capabilities. These electronic wastes are often disguised as “recyclables” or “raw materials,” yet they contain highly toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. The United Nations Environment Programme warns that global e-waste is projected to surge to 82 million tons by 2030. Without strengthened oversight, Southeast Asia risks becoming the “global graveyard for electronic waste.”